Back in June, Chillingo decided to mix it up a little by releasing something kind of different from their usual style. That game was action RPG shooter D.A.R.K, a title that was different and kind of fun but ultimately lacking a hook to make it a cut above the rest.
A few months later and there's been a substantial update made to the title. The gameplay has been upgraded and rebalanced with the ability to adjust the difficulty level from within the options menu included. Theres a new lighting engine to make the visuals look even more eye popping. More exciting is the announcement that the story mode has benefited from a major update, including new levels, a new story to follow and 'much more' which sounds intriguing enough. Players will also now be able to explore beyond the grim and dark ship and venture onto the alien planet itself before delving into a secret facility under the ground's surface.
A new Arena mode has also been included so that players can take their customized character between the two modes, and there's a whole host of new enemies to defeat and armor to collect.
Sounds like quite a substantial update to me. For those who haven't yet played D.A.R.K., it's downloadable now for $0.99 and it's an universal app which is always convenient.
The Chillingo release train is a juggernaut that apparently cannot be stopped. This week, Chillingo has a pair of releases that compose a nice harmony of dissonance.
D.A.R.K.: This dual-stick shooter puts players in control of a member of the mysteriously-acronymed D.A.R.K. Squadron aboard the spaceship USS Storm Bringer. Strange things and things that should not be now lurk the corridors of the ship, and it's the player's job to shoot first, ask questions later. The game, developed by GameLab, is regularly priced $2.99 with a launch sale price of $0.99.
Powerslide Penguin: On the polar opposite side of things - the south pole, to be exact - comes this action-puzzle game developed by Cobra Mobile of iBomber and Storm in a Teacup fame. Players control Penn Gwynn (more like a punguin, am I right?), who must slide his way across 75 levels, collecting gems and money, avoiding dynamite, polar bears, and the most evil of all winter creatures: snowmen. No giant space aliens here, though, so the skittish don't have to fret while playing this one. The game is available for the iPhone/iPod touch for $0.99, and $1.99 for the iPad.
Gaming app behemoth Chillingo has just released details on their Spring lineup and it's looking pretty strong for pretty much all tastes comprising of a mixture of casual and more complex concepts.
There's Spider Jack, a game that looks guaranteed to enthrall fans of Cut the Rope. You have to help Jack the hungry spider collect up all the flies in each level. The trailer looks like the perfect combination of cute cartoon graphics with pretty simple yet compelling gameplay.
Continuing the simple yet fun theme, there's Spoing that has a great looking indie style to it. This time round you have to guide little Spoing, a rather cute little black ball thing, levels while collecting gems and avoiding monsters. It's looking rather simple in the trailer suggesting you direct the ball around by flinging him up trampolines, hopefully it'll get a bit harder as the levels progress. The ability to create your own trampolines certainly has a lot of potential.
D.A.R.K promises a mixture of science fiction horror survival RPG elements alongside 3D two stick shooting action. The trailer doesn't appear to offer any in game footage but the premise certainly sounds intriguing. Screenshots certainly look atmospheric. A possible rival to Dead Space?
Another cryptic title is that of Swords & Soldiers - an iOS conversion of the Wiiware and PC game of the same name. Only one image has been released so far and it makes the game look rather 'busty' offering some buxom blonde women in, er, knitted form. Chillingo promises 2D side scrolling strategy action so it'll be interesting to see how Swords & Soldiers turns out.
Vampire Rush looks a bit more obvious with Torchlight/Gauntlet style gameplay. As the trailer suggests, there'll be plenty of hack n slashing fun to be had as well as some elements of tower defense too. Hopefully there'll be plenty of looting to do too.
Dream Track Nation offers slightly mental looking 2D racing action. Physics will play an important role here in order to leap through the numerous obstacles ahead and frantic racing seems to be the order of the day here. It's also going to include a level designer which should promise some great creations amongst you and your friends.
As always, check back here for the latest on all of these titles as we hear about them. While you wait though, take a look at the selection of screenshots below.
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